Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the European Union is fully ready to start the first phase of membership talks with Kyiv.
Zelenskyy said in a video message that Ukraine and the EU are prepared to begin the process.
Meanwhile, Moscow is building new military bases closer to Europe, raising security concerns.
Ukraine says its battlefield experience is important in facing Russia’s long-term threat.
Kyiv will meet allies at the upcoming G7 summit in France and the NATO meeting in Ankara to discuss new sanctions on Russia, stronger air defense, and improved long-range strike capabilities.